Meet the trailblazing trio behind Naagin — Mikhel Rajani, Arjun Rastogi, and Kshitij Neelakantan —who are redefining Indian condiments with their bold, flavorful hot sauces. United by a shared vision of putting India’s rich chilli heritage on the global map, these founders identified a glaring gap in a market dominated by foreign players and turned it into a sizzling opportunity. With backgrounds spanning culinary innovation, finance, and sustainable operations, the team has transformed Naagin into a household name and a global export success. In this exclusive interview, Mikhel, Arjun, and Kshitij share their journey of elevating simple meals into vibrant culinary experiences, their innovative approach to sourcing, and how they’ve championed sustainability while staying true to their roots.
In an interview with Business Frontier, the three co-founders discuss their journey of creating a hot sauce brand that celebrates India’s chillies and culinary heritage while aiming to make it a global staple. They also share insights on leadership, innovation, market trends, and their vision for Naagin’s growth over the next five years.
Q. What inspired you to start Naagin, and what gap did you see in the market?
Kshitij – Naagin was born out of a shared passion for food and a mission to spotlight India’s incredible chillies and flavours on the global stage. In 2019, the three of us united by a love for heat and flavour, realised that the hot sauce we wanted didn’t exist in the market. So, we decided to create it ourselves.
For us, good food isn’t just about sustenance; it’s a way to elevate everyday life. We believe that even the simplest meal can be transformed into an extraordinary experience, bringing joy every single day. Our hot sauces celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage, made with premium ingredients and fair sourcing practices that honour our farmers and their craft.
The gap was as clear as day: India didn’t have its own hot sauce—a sauce that celebrated the incredible variety of Indian chillies and flavours but could also sit proudly on a global table. So, we thought, why not create a sauce that makes bad food good, good food great, and every meal unapologetically fiery and fun.
We aim to craft flavours that feel both familiar and fresh, hoping to spark that same excitement for Indian spices and sauces worldwide that first inspired us.
Q. What makes for a successful partnership between co-founders? How do you handle differences?
Kshitij – A successful partnership between co-founders is like a perfectly crafted recipe. You need the right balance of ingredients: trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision, all seasoned with a healthy dose of humour (because, let’s be honest, the chaos is inevitable!). It’s about complementing each other’s strengths and filling in the gaps where necessary. The three of us have divided the departments based on our strengths, and we allow each person to take full responsibility for decision-making in their respective area.
When it comes to handling differences, well, it’s all about communication. We’re not always going to agree, but we always come back to the common goal: making Naagin the most legendary sauce out there. So, we talk it through, laugh it off, and sometimes even have a few “heated” discussions. But in the end, the three of us know we’re working towards the same fiery dream. It’s all about respect, humour, and a bit of spice.
Q. How would you describe your leadership style? Who or what inspires your approach?
Arjun – We would describe our leadership style as collaborative and hands-on. We believe in empowering our team to take ownership of their work while being available to guide and support when needed. We focus on creating an open, transparent environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to share their ideas.
Our approach is inspired by three things: a strong commitment to quality, the importance of learning from failure, and a drive for continuous innovation. We lead with a focus on getting things done, while always staying open to new ideas and solutions. It’s about being adaptable, supportive, and constantly striving for excellence.
Q. How do you encourage innovation and a growth mind-set within your team?
Arjun – Encouraging innovation and a growth mind-set within my team starts with creating a culture where experimentation is celebrated, not feared. We always remind them that failure isn’t a setback — it’s just part of the process. If we’re not pushing boundaries and trying new things, we’re not growing. It’s about embracing the idea that every idea has value, even if it doesn’t always work out as planned.
We also make sure we stay curious and encourage our team to constantly ask questions, challenge the status quo, and think outside the box. The best ideas often come from the most unexpected places. I lead by example, staying open to new ideas, learning from mistakes, and staying hungry for improvement. It’s about creating an environment where the focus is on continuous growth, both as individuals and as a team, and where taking risks is seen as an opportunity to innovate.
Q. Where do you see Naagin in five years, and how are you working towards that vision?
Mikhel – In five years, we see Naagin as a household brand name — the go-to sauce in kitchens, restaurants, cafes, and bars across the country, and beyond. I want Naagin to be synonymous with flavour and versatility, a brand that elevates every meal, whether it’s a quick snack or a fine dining experience. Our goal is to make Naagin a staple in every pantry, a product that people turn to without thinking twice when they want to add that perfect kick.
To get there, we’re focused on continuously improving the quality and range of our products, building a strong, authentic brand that people can trust. We’re also expanding our presence, making sure Naagin is available everywhere it should be — from home kitchens to high-end restaurants. It’s all about staying innovative, pushing boundaries, and building partnerships that align with our vision. Every step we take is driven by that goal: to make Naagin a flavour revolution, a brand that feels as essential as salt and pepper.
Q. What trends will influence the global retail and F&B market according to you?
Mikhel – Few of the key trends shaping the global retail and F&B market are:
- Technology: With AI-driven recommendations, personalised experiences, smart kitchen devices, and seamless digital ordering are becoming more common
- Sustainability: is no longer optional for businesses. Consumers are actively seeking brands with eco-friendly packaging and ethical practices
- Fusion Cuisines: These are gaining popularity, blending global flavours in new and exciting ways
- Personalisation: This is another big factor, as people want products tailored to their tastes and dietary preferences
With these shifts, we can see how the market is moving towards being more innovative, responsible, and customer-focused than ever before.
